new place

back in teh Usa. haven't talked with family back home or here. just been trying to get car re-registered and found a room. it's ok. maybe a bit expensive but a big room with shared bathroom and kitchen
in buena park. parking isn't that great but not that big a deal.

fatima helped me out with 2000 and then i got 1000 from my denari. so i had a little bit of money to spend. God helped me to land on my feet. Thank You Father.

As I took the place, my mind raced to find something wrong in my decision. I had seen several places - Mas In reverse had a girl at his place and messy bathroom - then there was the vietnamese couple near Edwards street with the one bathroom and huge room. Then there was that Mexican lady with the room that was cold and outdoor bathroom.

was all bummed and Nahed called. I sent him 120 dollars. his family really suffering. he broke his leg picking olives. I have some money from the church

that made me feel a little better

S has a way of making me feel bad about where i live but

Ugly Yellow Jacket (Most Painful Memory)

I don't know if its necessary to write this but the most painful memory I have of leaving Deir Debwan was when I was going out to Najat's car to put my suitcase in. Then I heard a noise at the door of house. It was Dad standing at the door wanting to go along with us. He was putting on his ugly yellow jacket (i.e. above) and unable to get his left hand in all the way. I said, "No Dad." and went back in and told him he couldn't go out as I thought he wanted to go to the mosque. And he started talking and crying like a little child uncontrollably and I hugged him and said, "No Dad. YOu can go with us. He felt so small in my arms and shorter than me crying. I put my head on his head and said, "It's OK." Then I told him, "Sit down in your chair," and he turned around so slowly and brokenly and said with his weak voice, "OK." as he went to sit down.

Guitar picks -- Back home

When I left for the Holy Land, I had 15 guitar picks in my pockets. I kept them because I found that if I had 15 I wouldn't lose them. If I had one or two I'd lose them but when it was 15 I didn't lose them.
Coming back, I now have only 3.

Came home.
Was a long and bumpy flight but it was OK. I slept alot from Israel to New York - a little from New York to Los Angeles

When I got to Los Angeles was without telephone and without drivers licence so I couldn't rent a car or call

Then I took a bus to Union Station and then a train from there to Orange County Anaheim. Ben came and took me to Ed Carbury's house. I got my car and drove it to Motel 6 -- slept till ten a.m. was great I think I got over my jet lag

Then I went to DMV and got temporary license and am starting to get new registration

Am staying at Shadi's house in Irvine. Nice house

Went to Azad's meeting last night. Lots of people around 30 or so. WAs wonderful


Today went out with Kato and Christina and Sam and Kathy came and Anna. Was wonderful lunch and fellowship

Got a new phone I really like it

Am getting my program for tomorrow ready for AlFady. Don't know if they want me to do it but I'm ready.

am a little challenged by the successes of my brothers here but motivated too.

November Rain

My usual routine is to dress Dad up, take him to the mosque, take his shoes off and seat him on his plastic chair in the very front row.

Then I walk down to the Amir Bakery and get a cup of American coffee with four creams and four spoons of sugar. I sit on a concrete fence on the side of the road next to Amir Bakery and listen to November Rain, Freebird or one of my sermons in ARabic as those are all that I have on the phone I have. I lost the Verizon one with the wide selection of music and worship music.

When I was here last time, on my last day, I went with Anoos for the first time to the Amir Bakery and discovered they had American coffee. I told them I would come there everyday. That night I was threatened and I fled. But since I've been back, I 've been fulfilling that word to come back everyday. I go up and maybe look like a fool sitting on the concrete fence. Have some kids come by and say hi to me like Anoos's friend Musa and another kid who calls me "Steve."

I don't know how he knows my name is Steve. Here I am strictly Husein.

Today was my last day. I am struggling.

Dad fell down as we walked out the door today. I picked him up and went on. Yusara saw it and was supportive.

I'm leaving tonight. Dad's eyes are red. I'm trying to be open but supportive.

Rahifa and Abdel Aziz came over to “wad’h’ me. Khitaam called yesterday too. I also went and saw Amo Issa and Wasfieh and Samir and Aqel, and Abdel Salaam’s son (he wasn’t there).

Dad started crying real hard because he wanted to go with us to Ramallah. We brought him and came to Pizza House in a mall. I am sitting here now writing this. They are very nice they gave me orange/carrot juice. And I’m in Um Kolthoum heaven. They played Sirat al Hub while Dad and Najat and Haha were here. But now they are playing Inte Omri.

Dad cried when I wada’t him outside. Najat cried too, a lot. Said she’d miss me.

Also Yusara cried and said to me “Forgive me.”

I said, “forgive me too and thank you.”

I'm back in the Tel Aviv airport right now. I ate a burger and fries. Am not sitting waiting to board.

I'm wearing my wooden cross. There is a girl that is charging her phone and playing these Christian songs on her phone. She played "Lord I lift Your Name on high." and "This little light."

Michael came and brought me to the airport. Was good to spend time with him. There's a guy standing in front of me with his back to me as I'm sitting on the floor next to the charger station.

Boy, when you wear a cross irritations come, a guy cut in front of me in line and now this guy here.

31 Cities

Jericho,     smell, wind, spirit

 Ai,    Destruction

Bethel,      House of God/ Luz old age winter blossom

Jerusalem,     Peace

Hebron,     Seat of Association

Jarmuth,   Heights/Fearing

Lachish,   obstinate - stubborn

 Eglon,   to talk about others

 Gezer,   dividing

Debir,         shine light on one’s self

Geder,   wall

Hormah,   devotion  - 

Arad,         sequester self

 Libnah,    white/ self righteousness

 Adullam,   justice based on human system  

Makkedah,    gathering place of ministers (sins)     مقيدة 

1.    Ministering out of an unhealed need for love and acceptance.

2.     2. Living in independence and isolation.

3.    3. Being more committed to ministry than to family.

4.  4. Finding comfort in someone other than one's spouse.

 Bethel,

Tappuah,      lusty apples                تفوح   

 Hepher,                      shame, pit      حافر

 Aphek,   to control others                 افيق  

 Lasharon,

 Madon,  strife              مادون 

 Hazor,  castle, fence              حاصور

Shimron Meron,     filthy/lifted up    

Achshaph,                 اكشاف

Taanach,

Megiddo,

Kedesh,

 Jokneam   the people lament

Dor    generation/ living in limitations of this life

Gilgal,      roll away

Tirzah,     she is my delight        ترصة 

While Sitting at Najat's House (FAITH) 31 things it does

1.      We understand that God created out of nothing

2.       Abel presented better offering

3.       Was proclaimed righteous

4.       Still speaks

5.       Enoch taken

6.       Enoch pleased God

7.       Noah, when warned built an ark

8.       By his faith condemned world

9.       Was heir of righteousness  by faith

10.   Abraham obeyed and went

11.   Made home in a strange land

12.   Lived in tents like Isaac and Jacob

13.   Sarah received strength to bear children – (when the Lord spoke to Abraham?)

14.   Did not receive promise but saw them from afar

15.   Offered Isaac believing God would raise him from the dead

16.   Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau

17.   Jacob blessed sons of Joseph

18.   Worshipped as leaned on staff

19.   Joseph spoke of Exodus and commanded about bones

20.   Moses’ parents hid him

21.   Was not afraid of king’s edict

22.   Moses refused to be known as Pharaoh’s daughter

23.   Chose mistreatment over pleasures of sin

24.   Regarded disgrace for Christ greater than treasures of Egypt – seeing reward

25.   Left Egypt not fearing king

26.   Persevered – seeing Him who is invisible

27.   Kept Passover applying blood

28.   People passed through Red Sea

29.   Walls of Jericho fell after marched

30.   Rahab not killed with those who deserved to die

31.   Conquered kingdoms

The Cross

It was on my first day back in the land that I went to the souvenir shop of my Armenian friend in Jerusalem and bought the small wooden cross I always carry with me. It's not a good luck charm or anything like that. I just like to have it with me.

It's my last full day here as  I leave tomorrow.. Since I bought the cross, I was once sitting in front of the mosque waiting for dad to come out. A guy came buy with a bag. I didn't recognize him and he started laying out his wares for sale. One thing he had was these silver necklaces. I bought one for I think 15 shekels

Cross necklaces are of particular interest in my testimony. It was a few feet from the place where I bought the necklace that in 1972, I went for a haircut in a barber shop that is still a hair salon for men. Dad took me to the tiny shop where there were several men awaiting their turn in Sadeq's seat. As I was getting my hair cut, Sadeq noticed a necklace I was wearing. I had made it out of a toe nail clipper clasp that had a royal blue background and a majestic red and gold crown. He looked at it and said something in ARabic. I still didn't undrestand Arabic so I didn't know what it was he said. I asked my dad. He wouldn't tell me but eventually he relented and said, "There is a cross on it."

I took it off and threw it away. I knew that there was a difference between Islam and Chrisitanity and as a Muslim I could not wear a cross on my chest.

Today, after praying at Ak. house I wore the cross necklace around my neck and went back to that barber shop -- it was open with young men inside and retraced those steps that I took with Dad so long ago wearing the cross as an act of repentance. When I went to Akel's store, it seemed almost as if they could see the cross through my shirt.

Then I walked home and as soon as I sat Rami Tarazi called to say he was in Deir Debwan to take  someone to Ramoon. 

I went out and met him and gave him $100 and showed him the cross I was wearing. I was thinking of calling him before I leave tomorrow to give the $100. The way this all happened made me think God accepted my repentance. 

I will never again deny the cross so help me Father in the Name of Jesus

Ministry opps

Today Pastor M. said he would like me to think of coming here for a year and taking over the preaching for him. He said they would pay me $1,000 a month and I could stay in my village

tempting offer

A Statement of Sorts

Everyday, I take dad to the mosque to pray
Somedays its in morning only and lately its been mornings and afternoons
What I do in the morning is take him. Someone usually takes him from me inside the mosque and seats him in the plastic chair way up front

Sometimes, I have to walk him all the way to the front

Then I walk out. In the morning I go to Amir Bakery by the village entrance and buy coffee.  I sit on a  fence nearby and listen to music = November Rain and Freebird and sermons I have recorded (myself in Arabic)

Then I start walking down towards the mosque and sit outside until prayer is done
I pick up dad and walk him home. Usually someone, usually my Uncle Issa puts his shoes on and brings him out.

People usually joke with him as I take him out. I joke along.

Lately some of the guys have been asking me to join them in prayer. The vegetable salesman Abdesalam was a bit more foreceful than I was comfortable with yesterday about how I should pray

Atta doesn't pressure me anymore.. don't know how long that will last

Another guys also said I should join them. ONe guy did so in Portuguese a few weeks ago


Nothing too major has happened. I go into the mosque with dad and take his shoes off and if there's a funeral I will shake hands with the family of the deceased. I remember Stephen saying how he does the actions as if praying he fAtiha when someone dies. Taysir said he would pray with them in the mosque doing the motions.


Today, N. told me that she took Dad to the mosque since I wasn't here. Ammo Isa took him from her and said, "Where is Husein is he preaching in a church," she said, 'He gets to pray too." and Amo Isa said, "God keep his father to him."

He said that in front of others at the mosque, she said.

I don't know what to think of that. I am nearing my last days here. It is the 13th. I leave on the 17th.

Lots of emotions --

my heart is breaking thinking of Dad.
I'm a little scared that they might set another trap for me
I feel guilty for Yusara
and Najat

Simmering Sadness

There is a sadness in watching Dad struggle so hard to walk and talk
One time, when we went out with my friends from Ramallah, he seemed
so desirous of communicating but was unable to. He started crying

Today I was taking him to the mosque. We started walking together and he
as usual led the way. But instead of going to the mosque he went to Atta's store.

When I asked him where he wanted to go he said the mosque so we walked from there
to the mosque

I wonder how much he knows of what is going on around him

One time, he was talking about Najat and apparently forgot her name he kept
pointing toward her house and said "the one who lives down there..."

There's several dimensions to the sadness -- seeing Dad walk - he moves so slowly
his inability to talk

one of the hardest times was when we went out with Isa and family and Isa said: "My father is like your father," and my dad's attention was immediately drawn to him as if there was a point of connection and he tried to continue the conversation but was limited by his speech

Jericho Road

The church had a conference in Jericho, I wasn't sure I was going to go because I already spent the night out a few nights ago on election night. But  I told Yusara how much the people have helped me (without mentioning that it was a church). She said it was fine for me to go since they helped me.

I went to Ramallah from Deir Debwan. Dad cried as  I left.
When I got to Ramalllah, I looked for a bus to Jericho. A bunch of people apparently were waiting and it wasn't coming. I asked a a driver how much it would cost to go to Jericho, he said, "150 shekels." I refused and went back and sat on the sidewalk.
As I sat, two young men walked by and one said, 120 shekels to Jericho. I followed them and rode with them. We went the Yibrood road and through Silwad on way to Taibeh and then Jericho. I feared a little that the two guys might do something but everything was alright.

I was a little nervous about going because of being so far from home but when I got there, the President Mahmoud A. whole security apparatus was there. I asked for angels the next best thing I guess is the presidents security guards.

I also saw the president

It was a great conference with Joel Rosenburg as main speaker and others. Fadi and Sandrene, Wael, Magdy and Rima, Milad and his dad, Fatula and Simon, Pastor Mazen and his wife; Rima Halabi and so many other close friends were there.
On first day, a woman came up to me with one of the presidents prot. guys. His name was like mine. He went on and on about how much he loved Jesus and wanted to be a Christian and be baptized.

I talked to him for a long time and translated for him when he watned to talk to the speaker who was the pastor of a Hungtington Beach Church the Refuge


we kept telling him to pray and he said he wanted to be videotaped the next day praying with the pastor fo Refuge. But the next day he was real busy and never came around. I spoke to hima little but he didn't come around

still it was a great night even though I was stuck in a room with two other guys and one had to sleep on the floor because there wore only two beds. I offered to sleep on floor

Rima told me somethign that made me sad. Magdy told Joe and Rima that he wanted to take some time off and spend time together as a family. But Joe said, "It's too late. I learned to live alone. When the house was full of people, I would go into my room and cry. I support what you do but I learned to live alone."


She said she had permission to share this. She also said he only like to go the MBB church

Election Night Awesomeness

Great day -- Tuesday Nov. 8

First of all people are beginning to talk about me leaving and without resistance

Then I was not sure if I was going to go to Ramleh because no one called even though  I felt I had a word for them.

Then Michael called and asked if I wanted to go.  I said, "Yes, I have a message." But he said his Dad was going to go and that he might be speaking.

I said then that I would go to Jerusalem since I hadn't been there in a long time.

But then I felt bad an called back and said I would go even if I wasn't speaking. But then when I got to church, Pastor Monir said he wouldn't be speaking so they wanted me to speak. I preached about the crossing of the Jordan river with the Ark of hte Covenant. How the feet had to touch the water before the river split.
Great reaction. One lady - mother of boy Mark who has cancer - said she felt every word was for her


Then Michale gave me a gift from them -- 700 shekels and 300 dollars


I got to Ramallah late and went to the Al Manara Hotel where I slept.
But I watched a little CNN. It looked like Trump would lose as things bounced back and forth and then things stabilized Red

I ended up staying up to 7 a.m. watching results -- waiting for Florida to be called --

Was a great night. Won the House of Representatives and Senate too and the Supreme Court will be in Conservative hands for a generation. Halleluya!!!!!!


Then came home around 1 and Najat said she wanted to go to Ramallah and wanted me to go with them. I did and took Dad. He and I had dinner at Saleh's restaurant


Was great day.

BTW my video views are up to 5,700

Deaths in Deir Dibwan

Since I've been here there have been several deaths. Most of them are people I don't know but some I knew like Magida. There was also the son of Nimmer. I didn't know him but I knew his father.

Yesterday was the death of someone from Iq'ra family. A few days before was a woman from another family.

What happens is that there is a mosque announcement not at the time of prayer which everyone knows to mean that someone died

Then in the mosque the deceased is in a casket covered by a blanket at the far end with a row of chairs with relatives who stand -- you shake hands with them.

Then the men read the Fatiha on the side. I've stood by as dad did this.

I then walk dad to his chair and leave --

There have been several deaths recently including a lady from South America where Najat's husband's relative died of cancer.

No particular name for this post

Been a while since I wrote. I've been busy with Dad and other things - Church, preaching. Etc.

On Sunday, I was given a great gift from Michael 2g which will help me once I get home.

Everyone is talking about me leaving - Yusara, Najat, Atta, Rahefa, Aziz, I'm hoping there isn't a game going on. 

I got to admit I'm a little bit sad about Dad, about leaving. He is so weak and fragile

Today we went to the Safeena REstaurant. Because of the generous offerings I have from the Chruch I was able to pay -- 400 shekels

I was a little mean because they took so long to bring the drinks and bread

But at teh end the guy was nice 

God has really blessed me.

Sunday Sunday

I preached at church today a message of eternity. I had lots of scripture read to where I got some unique compliments. It was not recorded though

Also I did the Christmas play. The kids were really committed and excited I was proud of them.
Got good reactions to the play as well. spent day with dad afterwards.

the daylight savings time went back an hour and things are kind of squirrly

Went and sat with Atta and the old men with Dad

Am feeling that emptiness. It is somewhat relieved by the knowledge that my play went well as the sermon did too. I'm supposed to go Tuesday, preach Thursday and get an offering too.

Last time it was very generous..

Sanford and Son

One of the main entertainments that Dad and me share is Sanford and Son and live Um Kolthoum songs

Some of the best laughs have involved Esther 

Lunch in Ramallah

Had a great day with Dad. We went to Ramallah and had lunch with Esa and family in Segafredo restaurant.

The whole family was there and it was really great


I had taken dad home from the mosque and everyone was kissing him and shaking his hand like he was a star. I was wondering if anyhting was said about me. everyone was nice to me too

then the next day went to pick up Dad adn someone asked in Portuguese why I wasn't inside praying with them. I made a play on teh portuguese

The rock-n-roll falahi man wth the glasses and hair gave dad and me a ride home. He asked me, also in prortuguese -- Tu e Cristiano? I said yes. He asked if I go to church. I said its hard here. He said I should go in Jerusalem. I said its hard to go.

He then had subject changed by someone who called him to a reconciliation meeting for two families one of whose son shot another. Second shooting in Deir Debwan since I've been here

btw Piper views 5107 today

Piper by the Gates of Jerusalem

I posted my Piper by the Gates of Stephen videos on the pages of friends and other groups and in a few minutes I got mroe than 300 views. It was 1575 a few hours ago now it is 1837.

a few minutes later it was up to 1911

Up to 2,089 by 2:51 p.m. Tuesday

By 3:04 it up to 2315

By 10:34 it was 3,759

10 a.m. Wednesday its 4,262

Preached CAin and Abel in Ramleh  -- was well received
also told about GAza and did song Rabi Inte Qareeb
well receieved people started clapping and musicians entered in

At 3 p.m. its 4462

Taking Dad to mosque

Like last time I was here, I am back to taking my dad to mosque once or twice a day. He's pretty passionate about it. I whisper to him all the way PTJ. I take him in and then go to Amir Bakery and buy coffee and come back and sit outside till prayer is over. No confrontations. One guy told me today that he wished I"d pray with them inside. I told him I pray.

the bearded man has taken to ignoring me, I think

Sat with Dad at Atta's today and he didn't say anything of consequence.

ِAhmed Day

Today Ahmed came over. He arrived as I was sitting in front of mosque waiting for Dad to come out. Two guys tried to pay for the coffee for Ahmed at the Kahwa in front of mosque. The cahwa owner gave him the coffee for free.

Then Yusara made mensef for him and even though he didn't eat it I was proud that Ahmed was showed so much love for my family. Dad sat outside with us for a long time and spoke with Ahmed. He laughed and had fun

Another nugget: A. told me he was beaten in last year or so and that my name and picture are on the list still.

Then Najat and I drove Ahmed back to Ramallah

Najat said she would miss me

1,001 Nights

Today got up and gave dad a bath. Then I sat on bed and read Bible a little. Y. turned the Quran way up and has left it on till now – it’s 2:44 p.m.

Took dad to mosque and then went to get coffee at Amir Bakery. Then on way back I saw Ribhieh in her store. She called me in and told me a funny situation she had. She had spent 10,000 shekels on products from Bethlehem and so on. But she had a bunch of these ---

Among them were five of these book in hands that say “Holy Bible.” She said that when I leave to America I may want to buy some. I told her my mom would like the one with candles stands. She gave me this one that doesn’t say Bible or Quran – in front of two of her friends who were in the store she said “So no one knows your religion.”

It was in good spirit she said it. It kind of amazed me as if it’s not a problem. Except for Atta and the rock and an occasional whisper (three times by three groups of young men) I haven’t seen the opposition. Then there’s Yus.

I kind of felt it was God’s sense of humor to have Ribhieh get those and then send me there when her friends are there to hear this so I am not making too much of my situation and not to make too little of it either.

Her store, funnily, is called 1,001 Nights and my new book is called 101 Nights based on 1,001 Nights. Lol

Here’s my book which I finished while here and put on Amazon:

rapture day!!!

Today is the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles. I preached in church yesterday that lots of folks say it the is the day of rapture. I think so too.
I didn't leave after the rock incident.
I came back.
Yesterday I got to deliver to Atta the message about the RAs Abed

We talked for about a half hour. I wouldn't say I won many arguments but we talked when we were alone

DAd was there and me

everyone had left

He really flipped when I said Jesus was the Son of God

as of this morning my views on piper were 1169

had a little stress today and monotony
at night went with Naj. to Ram. that was fun
came back and got falafel for dad

Y. was mad at me but  I really needed to go because it was dark and dangerous to drive alone there

views up to 1175

By Tuesday morning views up to 1,329

Ras Abed

I stayed after talking with everyone and got a chance to share the Ras Abed story with Atta. I felt I needed to tell him before I leave. It goes like this. When I was a boy I used to always take a Ras Abed from Atta's store and "pay later" they cost five qirish

At the end of one month I was scared because I owed for 90 qirish and I didn't have it. The my step mother Yusara went in and I remember Atta telling her that her husband's son was in debt 90 qirish. She pulled out a dinar and payed off my debt just like that

I told Atta that is what Jesus did. I was in debt before God and Jesus came and died and paid off my debt. With His blood He washed away my sins and the sins of the whole world

Atta went on with typical arguments. He was shocked when I told him Jesus is the Son of God. I tried to explain the difference between "ibn" and "weled" but he wasn't listening

but we started and I, at the end, told him to remember what to do if I wanted a Ras Abed

casting stones

had a pretty good day with Dad went to Ramallah and saw Saleh's bro. then went back later and had kinafa with dad at Samer's hilwiyat. then went home and took car back to N. Then did my usual at Akram's house and walked home. As I did, a large block stone and concrete appearing was thrown in my direction. I saw the youths standing down the street. A girl who was entering a house near where I was walking looked back adn saw the stone and me.
I called friend came to spend night with a friend and told fmaily that my friend had a car accident.
AFter I go to place where I slept I found out a friend acutally had gotten into a car accident - two.
Preached at Chruch about the seven feast. Was well received the high point was effective "I believe the rapture will happen on the feast of Tabernacles, I'm telling you this now because this holiday is tomorrow."

Piper at the Holy Sites

New Entry

I am Dr. Khaled’s office. Just spent an hour or so with Saleh’s brother George at the LaVie. Was great He is with the Lord

I just got back from Jerusalem where spent the night after being with Linda, Merilee and xxx. I took them to some Holy Sites and then we went to the Wall. We had dinner at the City of Peace Restaurant, mmmm. So Good. Amazing Coffee.

What was funny is that I prayed that the Lord would help me film myself playing Amazing Grace with Palestnian flute at holy sites.  Last night Betchie filmed me at: 11^th, 5^th stations of the cross: Tower of David; Stephens gate; Amazing Bethesda; Church where Mary was born:  Was so fun. I got about 325 views on one of the videos (Stephen’s Gate) and with all others is about 500 so far. This is the first day.

Yusara being a little skittish these days. She said again ‘Take him…” she wants to get rid of Dad.

I took Dad to mosque yesterday and he walked 90 of the way without me holding his hand. When I got to café by mosque a bunch of men were there. Dad sat by Hussein Dhablan’s group and I went and sat by Amo Issa who almost instantly got up to walk away as if in disgust. When I went inside to take dad’s shoes off, he was telling me not to let go of his hand. I told him Dad walked by himself. He kept insisting …

Whatever.

God heard the desire of my heart which  was kind of crazy to have someone film me at the Holy Sites. He sent three single women – from the Phillipines; Southern Califronia and Northern California. It was great. Thank You Lord Jesus that You hear my smallest desires.
The videos are all on Facebook and have reached 1150 views!!!

https://www.facebook.com/smashni/videos/pcb.10153794874395880/10153794849130880/?type=3&theater

Write like no one's reading

I've been taking dad to the mosque lately after I came back from Cyprus when he went by himself

The first time I went and sat with Amo Isa and other guys in front of cafe and Amo Isa when it was prayer time came and said to dad, "You want to pray and took him by the hand."

A few more times I went and Amo Issa took him in. Another time, a man walked with me up to the mosque with dad. I told him to just sit him in the mosque on a chair and that I'd be there to pick him up.

Almost every time I go up the ramp and take dad by the arm and lead him down. Sometimes someone takes us in their car to the house and sometimes we walk.

Yesterday, as I waited the guy with the long bear (scarily long) who used to always tell me he wanted to talk to me for five minutes, came up to me. He was with his sons. He said, angrily, he just wanted to talk to me for 15 minutes.  I was scared of him last time. This time he's scarier. It seems like God may want me to talk to him becuase he is also the Federal Express representative in Deir Debwan and he got my ATM card from Wells Fargo. There was another letter that came from Wells Fargo and he gave it to Najat. 

I don't know what he wants to say my uncle saw me speaking to him last time I was here in 2013 and he said, "Be careful around those guys. They kill." I jokingly said, "Maybe I'm the sacrifice tonight."

But 

This is the reality I face here. I don't know how many people know about me being a Christian. I know many Christians know me from the TV. I don't know how many here know about me. Last time I was here I was told that someone told my sister they saw me on Youtube. I don't know how many know a few  incidents I've had here

--  I was walking down the street and three young men were walking and one of them said: "He's the one that..."

-- Another time I was walking down the street and three guys were walking down the street and two guys seemed to have to pull back one guy who seemed to be saying the same thing, "He's the one..."

-- I don't know who else knows or what they know.

Every time  I go to the mosque with dad this weighs on me but there hasn't been any confrontation until the bearded man yesterday seemed angry

I don't know what he wants to say

Someone should talk to Fed Ex to tell them who their reps are

Mount of Temptation

A few days ago dad seemed down and I asked him what he wanted he said, "Bidi a Tush," that means I want to go out just have fun. The next day I took Najat's black car and took him out. We drove past Rimon and then through Taibeh. As we did I told Dad we should go back because there might be Israeli checkpoints, he said there were none and that I should continue going. We went all teh way to Jericho down the steep winding roads. When we got there, I saw a bus of tourists at the Mount of Temptation. I stopped and took pictures. Then we came back went to Betien and then came and went to Sheikh Ammar and home.

How Dad must feel

It all happened so suddenly
The Stroke
That was 2013
Everything changed forever. Then
He used to walk all over
He would talk to folks
They'd talk to him
His kids were as per "usual"
Neglectful -- maybe he was too
But love was never doubted
His tender heart towards
Some of his kids
And harder towards others
But not all that's gone. Forever
The stroke took away much
Of his ability to communicate
He still thought he had
His unmatched flair with words
He knew several languages
Fluently but never read or wrote
He was funny
He was clever
He was humble
He was greatly beloved
Then the Stroke in 2013
It took a while to know what
Happened
He didn't know at first
It was a haze
All his kids, almost, came
to his beside
His relatives and friends all came
For a while
Why?
He wasn't sure
Everything was like it was
Isn't it?
But people didn't seem to
Understand
Anymore
He needed to be understood
How can you get the punchline
If you don't understand
the words of the joke
JOKE
Joke
So many ways to say it
He kept trying
He'd never give up
But all the sudden
He couldn't bathe himself anymore
He needed help
His sons and daughters started
bathing him. cleaning him
taking him to the bathroom
So humiliating at first
then grudgingly you understand
they dont want to do this
anymore than you want them to
do it
Helicopter flying over head
Sounds like war
War is excitement
amidst the dreary reality
for so long
the kids try so hard,
some do
to feed, clean
ENTERTAin
It doesn't seem to work
but then it does
Dad always said that when
people get old they revert
to childhood
Yup. He was right
Nowadays he can
shuffle around weakly
Everyone tells him
He will be rewarded by God
for the suffering he is
Enduring
Some dare say
"Any thing from Allah is so sweet."
Of course those people
Are living a sweet life
They deserve to, of course
You reap what you sow
Dad tried anger and complaining
to those closest to him
the kids call once a month
sometimes twice
the tension is palpable
I know. I am one of the kids
I did what they are doing
I'd call every  month or so
My excuse always seemed valid
It was too hard to talk to him
It was easier not too
Everyone would surely
Understand
Or at least not care enough
to confront this
Dad is barely able to stand up straight
He is so weak
His brothers and cousins
are kind of mean to be honest
he still wants to go to mosque and
be with them and pray
its so easy to feel bad for the underdog
forgetting he was once not the underdog
and when he was "not the underdog"
He was mean sometimes too
Now none of that matters

Taking Dad

the last few days been taking dad to mo. I take him down and each time there has been someone there that takes him in and seats him on a chair.
then I meet him at the end and walk him home. yesterday brought him up the steep seneda in front of Samir's but today just took him the easier one on the way to Atta's store.

He tried to get me to go in with him yesterday, I told him no.

I sat outside yesterday "Friday" and there were other men sitting in front of the Kahwa who didn't go in either. That made me feel better. The cafe manager told me when the men started coming out of the mosque so I could go get Dad.

Today, I was alone with no chairs sitting on the fence. I read my passport and listened to Graham Kendrick Amazing Love. I also bought some body shampoo at the pharmacy

No questions or confrontations yet but I don't know how long this will last

Everyone is very supporting and happy when I come get Dad. They are happy that I am walking with him. Even Atta came up as we were leaving and asked if Dad wanted to fight (in Atta's way). I said I don't get involved and laughed. Several offered to drive us home but Dad said no. we walked and he sat at Atta's store for a while.

Kind of crazy when you think about it.

I'm sitting outside while everyone inside.


The day before I went to Jerusalem and Western U. I also ate at McDonalds and saw several street musician it was cool:

Teh videos are posted on fAcebook September 22

I called Maisoun to ask her about how to deal with these family issues. 

Near Perfect Day

Went to lunch with Najat and Dad at Mazan restaurant in Jiffna. Beautiful restaurant and they played "El Hob Kolo" by Um Kolthoum for us. It was great

Then  I went with Michael to Ramle where I preached about Idols:

https://ia600406.us.archive.org/0/items/DromeBox.com-2016-04-16/livestream_2016-04-16-16.05.17.589--0700_0.mp4

Three first commandments

I am the Lord Your God You shall have no other

You shall make no idols

You shall not take the Name of the Lord in vain

Why so much idolatry?

Why so many people deceived by idols?

500 million Bhuddists

1.4   billion Muslims

1 billion hindus

Flee from Idolatry

1.       I dolatry most serious and contaminating  تلويث because it strikes right at the character of God

2.       Idol      15 times

3.       Idols      102

4.       Gods 244

5.       Images   71

6.       Image 80

A.      Idolatry slanders God’s character – Idolatrous heart assumes God is other than who or what He is. Have unworthy or erroneous views of God

1.       Mak’r (deceiver)

2.       Holy and angry

3.       Loving and unholy

4.       You thought I was altogether like you

5.       Far away unconcerned

6.       Santa Claus

7.       Job’s friends

8.        احتمى غضبي عليك وعلى كلا صاحبيك لانكم لم تقولوا فيّ الصواب كعبدي ايوب.

9.  1 وانما اقول ما دام الوارث قاصرا لا يفرق شيئا عن العبد مع كونه صاحب الجميع.

10.       2 بل هو تحت اوصياء ووكلاء الى الوقت المؤجل من ابيه.

11.       3 هكذا نحن ايضا لما كنا قاصرين كنا مستعبدين تحت اركان العالم.

12.       4 ولكن لما جاء ملء الزمان ارسل الله ابنه مولودا من امرأة مولودا تحت الناموس

13.       5 ليفتدي الذين تحت الناموس لننال التبني.

14.       6 ثم بما انكم ابناء ارسل الله روح ابنه الى قلوبكم صارخا يا ابا الآب.

15.       7 اذا لست بعد عبدا بل ابنا وان كنت ابنا فوارث للّه بالمسيح

Worshipping God in the wrong way – Jesus said the Father seeks those who will worship in Spirit and in truth. Sometimes we get this the Spirit but not truth.. We enjoy the emotions and power which we should but we forget the truth to where our worship doesn’t change us.

B.      Made an image of God. It wasn’t even another god it was a  supposed image of God

Worship isn’t based on emotion but has to be based on truth –

Idolatry is worshipping any image

Isaiah 47 – he makes a fire with the wood, eats and is full. With the rest makes an idol and bows to it

Don’t replace image for reality

2 Cor. 4:4

انجيل مجد المسيح الذي هو صورة الله.

Colossian 1:15

 الذي هو صورة الله غير المنظور 

Hebrew 1:3

 الذي وهو بهاء مجده ورسم جوهره

Worship of angels

Worship of devils

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

Worship of dead mean

Psalm 106:28

Eph. 5:5

         No covetous man who is an idolater

Money   1 Tim 6

Get money between you and God and you can’t see Him anymore

9.  Lust – Php 3:19

Whose god is their belly

Whose glory is their shame

Whose

What Idolatry does to us

Idolatry defiles us

Defiles everyone around them

They can’t help you

They won’t do anything for you

Carry it

It wont move

Wont hear

Wont speak

Won’t see

Bring guilt that activate God’s vengeance

Pride makes a god of self, covetousness makes a god of money, sensuality makes a god of the belly; whatever is esteemed or loved, feared or served, delighted in or depended on, more than God, that (whatever it is) we do in effect make a god of

Spent the night in Ramallah and came home in morning